Scam-Meter Registry

Verified cases, not rumors

Every case in the Scam-Meter is reviewed by a Level 5 Diagnostic Technician and matched to industry labor guides. We publish the facts so drivers can protect themselves.

$2.4M+

Overcharges documented

1,280+

Cases reviewed

98%

Verification success rate

24 hrs

Average review time

How we verify

Every published case follows the same review process.

Estimate intake

We collect line items, shop notes, and any supporting photos or PDFs.

Labor guide check

Every line is compared to industry labor guides and OEM data.

Expert verdict

A Level 5 Diagnostic Technician confirms inflated labor or fluff.

Primary sources

  • Mitchell, ALLDATA, and OEM labor guides
  • NHTSA VIN data for vehicle verification
  • Photo/PDF documentation from the estimate
  • Technician notes and parts pricing benchmarks

Scam of the Week

A 'clean' Carfax masked frame damage and a parts list padded with unnecessary replacements.

Frame damageInflated laborUnnecessary parts

Scam of the Week: $9k Camry Surprise

A 'clean' Carfax masked frame damage and a parts list padded with unnecessary replacements.

Location

Orlando, FL

Vehicle

2017 Toyota Camry

Shop Quote

$9,040

Fair Price

$4,350

Overcharge

$4,690

Upload Estimate

Transmission rebuild billed as necessary

2014 Ford Escape

Quote$4,500
Fair$1,150
Overcharge$3,350
MisdiagnosisParts markup

Brake job padded with extra labor

2018 Honda Accord

Quote$2,200
Fair$1,320
Overcharge$880
Inflated laborParts markup

A/C compressor replaced without failure

2016 Nissan Rogue

Quote$1,400
Fair$780
Overcharge$620
Unnecessary repair

Timing belt 'urgent' on a chain motor

2015 Ford Focus

Quote$1,100
Fair$0
Overcharge$1,100
False recommendation

Coolant flush billed as mandatory

2019 Toyota RAV4

Quote$420
Fair$140
Overcharge$280
Unnecessary maintenance

Fuel pump swapped for a bad relay

2012 Chevy Malibu

Quote$980
Fair$210
Overcharge$770
Misdiagnosis